Moscow

I figured it out, 

Saw the mistakes of up and down.

 Meet in the middle, 

There's always room for common ground.

I see what it's like, 

I see what it's like for day and night.

 Never together,

 'Cause they see things in a different light

                                                           - You and I, One Direction. 

Friday the 23rd of May came so much quicker than excpected. Booking flights and hotels back in November with ages till our journey of the unknown and than BAM off to Russia baby! 

Shocked and a little excited Fiona and I headed to Russia. 

Our flight left London at 10:45pm we flew for three and a half hours and landed in Moscow at 5:30am local time. With only an hour or so of sleep, after both working a full day, we stepped off the plane and headed for the train to the City Centre. 

After leaving our bags at the Hotel off we went to explore some of the city. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at a beautiful traditional Russian Restaurant.

 I had beautiful Vareniki with Cottage Cheese Sauce. 

 Fiona had a Cottage Cheese and Sultana Pudding. 

and we both enjoyed a delicious freshly made juice. 

Afterwards, we were able to check in, shower and truly begin our day in Moscow. 

Both of us convinced today would not be a write off. We didn't allow ourselves to stop or slow. 

And it was HOT! I was absolutely supprised. But I loved every second of it! 

I watched as my white London skin began to darken, excited for the golden brown I would become. 

We headed to Red Square. Where they were celebrating these two men, 

Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius. 

Cyril and Methodius are credited with bringing education to Russia in the Ninth Century. 

So here we stood, Red Square in Moscow, on the 24th of May in the midst of a cheerful crowd, under the radiant, bright sun, listening to a heavenly choir sing in Russian. Such a blessed experience! It was truly beautiful. 

We had a wonderful day exploring the city and soaking in the Russian atmosphere. 

At around 5pm we bought some traditional Russian pies from a little Russian store full of Babis and headed back for our hotel. 

We went for a swim in the pool, ate our pies and had an early night. 

In the morning we awoke bright eyed and bushy tailed. We enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast and left for our free walking tour! 

We began at the centre of Moscow. Known as 0 kilometres. 

You stand in the middle, make a wish and throw a coin. 

We chased and tried to catch some blossoms. 

Then, we explored St Basil's Cathedral. 

It is even more breath taking and beautiful in real life. I could easily stare up at it all day. As you walk around the Basilica and stare up at every angle it is equally as breathe taking! 

The inside of the Basilica is made up of several different towers rather than the traditional large, open space. Inside each tower is decorated differently. 

Later that day on our tour guides advice we headed to local markets in Semenovskaya. 

We walked around, enjoying the sight, the beautiful local productions and even made a few purchases.

Call me Joechita Wurst!

Unfortunately, I had to leave my new bear friend there! 

That night we dinned at The Old Tower Russian Restaurant. 

We shared: 

Russian Cheese Bread

A traditional salad stack.

grilled aubergine, courgette, tomatoes, sweet pepper, feta, tomatoes, basil pesto sauce. 

Beef Pelmeni Sibirskie 

and Beef Stroganoff. 

We were happy! 

The food was amazing, every delicious bite was savoured!

We then went back into Red Square to see it all lit up at night...

...It did not disappoint! 

Even outside the Red Square Moscow was all lit up and sparkly! 

Proving, day or night Moscow is a magical place! 

Fiona outside the Bolshoi Theatre. 

The Metrostations in Russia are beautiful! Every single one decorated and polished. 

It was wonderful to see! 

Now, while we are at these Metro-stations, let me tell you my favourite Moscow tale. 

The Metro lines are beautifully and carefully planned. Joseph Stalin oversaw them himself. The plans were presented for his approval. Once they were signed and handed back a new line had appeared. A brown circle line connecting the inner city. 

Rummer has it Stalin accidentally place his coffee on the map  but too scared to ask Stalin the new brown line was created. 

On our third day we walked around the city we loved once more before heading to the airport for St. Petersburg. 

We had a lunch of borscht and cheese pie than slipped onto our plane. 

More to come lovers, next stop St.Petersburg!